Abstract
Interest in innovation as a way of meeting societal challenges is increasing. Interest in different types of public innovation support is therefore increasing as well. Umeå University has many years of experience in developing and operating a well-functioning innovation support system. A common theme is to offer project owners creative arenas as context for entrepreneurial judgments and assessments during the various steps of the innovation process. Improved program theories are needed to enable evaluations that provide feedback, learning, and accountability.